Team India all-rounder Vijay Shankar was a delighted individual after receiving a berth in the 15 member Team India squad which will tour England and Wales for the World Cup which is slated to be played from 30th May. A day after getting picked for the World Cup, Vijay Shankar stated that he was just looking to “keep it simple and be consistent”. His selection has been questioned by several former cricketers as Vijay Shankar hasn’t proven his worth consistently to be part of the World Cup squad.
Chairman of selectors MSK Prasad stated that Vijay Shankar was picked in the squad due to his three-dimensional qualities. The spot which was speculated to go to Ambati Rayudu went to Vijay Shankar and Rayudu was hard done by his exclusion as he came up with a sarcastic post. However, it must be taken into consideration that Rayudu had a massive dip in form during the home ODI series against Australia last month.
Meanwhile, MSK Prasad further stated that Vijay Shankar might well turn out to be the No 4 they are looking for in the showpiece event. However head coach Ravi Shastri said apart from the top 3 none of the spots is fixed and there are quite a few players who can be handed the No 4 role.
“I was trying to keep it really simple. Even when the IPL started, there was talk about selection but I was just looking to be consistent,” Shankar said ahead of their game against the Chennai Super Kings which they won by 6 wickets.
“I felt really good, it’s a dream for any cricketer to be part of a World Cup, but it’s very important to stay in the present,” he added.
The inclusion of Vijay Shankar showed in his performance yesterday as Sunrisers Hyderabad returned to winning ways after losing 3 on a trot. Riding on the back of a splendid bowling performance by Rashid Khan and exceptional batsmanship by the openers, Hyderabad registered their 4th victory of the tournament after defeating Chennai Super Kings quite convincingly by 6 wickets and with 19 deliveries to spare.